Seal box (piece)

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This bottom of a seal box was found at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It would have been attached to a wooden and wax tablet, to attest that a document was authentic. The box dates from between 80 and 180 AD.

The hinge for the lid of the seal box is well-preserved, but the top is missing.

Brought to Scotland by the Romans, writing was a vital part of the bureaucracy generated by the army. Some of the seal boxes which were attached to tablets were expensive and ornate. Occasionally the lead seals survive as well.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-037-140-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 617
• Date: Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Bronze
  Seal box / portion
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Seal box / portion
  
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Portion of a bronze seal box, from Newstead
  
• References:
  • Curle, J. A Roman frontier post and its people: the fort of Newstead. Glasgow: MacLehose, 1911, p. 308, Pl. LXXXI, 6. 
• Translations:
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